The simple breathing habit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar suggests to reduce stress instantly

Living in a hectic environment where it seems impossible to avoid stress makes it essential to learn some simple and easy ways to reduce stress and relax. Spiritual master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar often talks about how mastering the art of breathing can help one manage emotions and stress in real-time situations.

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The first technique that one should practice and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has spoken about in his YouTube videos is slow and rhythmic breathing. It involves consciously slowing down the breaths to make them rhythmic. Normally, when you are under stress, your breathing tends to be very rapid. Inverting this breathing pattern by making the breath slow and deep sends a message to your body that you have to relax.

As per Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, there exists a direct link between breathing and emotions. There is a distinct pattern of breathing for every emotion. By modifying the breath, one can modify his/her emotions.

* Relaxation of the nervous system

* Reduction of feelings of anxiety and restlessness
* Enhancement of concentration

Essentially, slow breathing signals the brain about the absence of any imminent danger, resulting in relaxation of the body.

Sit down with your spine straight. Try closing your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Take a deep breath through your nostrils, feeling how your breath inflates your torso. Then exhale slowly, ensuring that the exhalation lasts slightly longer than the inhalation. Repeat for several minutes in the same fashion. Just 5 to 10 minutes of such an exercise will leave you feeling more calm and collected.

Apart from Breath of Fire, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches Sudarshan Kriya, which is another structured approach to breathing that includes breathing in certain rhythms. Even though this technique requires some guidance to master, it still relies on the power of breathing to alleviate stress.

Although this breathing technique acts instantly, its effectiveness multiplies through regular practice. A few minutes spent practicing conscious breathing will help you build resilience to stress. And its greatest advantage is that you do not require anything else except the technique itself, no additional preparations, no tools needed.

The technique used by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stresses an important but commonly forgotten principle, that your breath is always there for you. With just one pause to pay attention to it, you will immediately feel its effects and notice how quickly it brings relaxation to your body.